US20070194203A1 - Key system for a mirror assembly - Google Patents
Key system for a mirror assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070194203A1 US20070194203A1 US11/796,108 US79610807A US2007194203A1 US 20070194203 A1 US20070194203 A1 US 20070194203A1 US 79610807 A US79610807 A US 79610807A US 2007194203 A1 US2007194203 A1 US 2007194203A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support arm
- extension
- mirror
- positions
- brace
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/0605—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior specially adapted for mounting on trucks, e.g. by C-shaped support means
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/57—Distinct end coupler
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
- Y10T403/57—Distinct end coupler
- Y10T403/5761—Interrupted periphery, e.g., split or segmental, etc.
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a rearview mirror assembly, particularly a locking device for mounting mirrors on commercial vehicles such as trucks.
- Rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles are well known in the art. These well known mirror assemblies include many different arrangements for mounting mirror assemblies on the vehicles. On large, commercial vehicles, such as trucks and busses, mirrors are often secured within mirror housings mounted so as to extend the mirror out from the vehicle thereby providing a clear view of different areas around the vehicle. Depending on the size and design of the mirror, as well as the area around the vehicle to be observed, different mounting arrangements have been used.
- a typical mounting arrangement includes a bar extending outwardly from the vehicle, often in substantially a U-shape, in which the ends of the U-bar are attached to the side of the vehicle.
- a bar may be attached to the vehicle at only one end, with a mirror housing being disposed at a distal end or central portion, or both, of such bar.
- mounting bars are typically attached to each side of the driver's cab of a truck, and the mirror housing is attached to the central portions of the bars in various ways.
- Some conventionally mounting arrangements suffer from complicated constructions requiring, for instance, adapters, multiple piece connectors, and a variety of screws, bolts and the like to attach the bar to the mounts and to the vehicle. Such complicated mounting arrangements are more cumbersome, costly and labor intensive than may be desired.
- the present invention provides a locking key system for a motor vehicle for adjustably mounting a mirror attached to a support arm.
- the component parts of the locking key system are simple, reliable, and economical to manufacture and use.
- the locking key system has relatively few parts and quickly locks and unlocks from the support arm.
- the key system includes a locking device configured to receive a portion of the support arm to mount the support arm to the motor vehicle.
- the locking device includes an extension, a complementary extension, and a key. Further, a spring or similar device is included to urge the extension and the complementary extension together.
- the extension and complementary extension respectively define a spherical surface and a complementary spherical surface. The spherical surface and complementary spherical surface are matingly arranged to provide a finite range of movement to the support arm and to reduce manufacturing tolerances and costs.
- the system also includes a brace which cooperates with the locking device to receive another portion of the support arm to mount the support arm to the motor vehicle.
- the brace includes an anchor and a support arm holder to fix the support arm relative to the brace.
- the invention provides an assembly arrangement in which opposed ends of the support arm are provided with at lest one shaped slot.
- the complementary extension and the support arm holder are each provided with a recess adapted to receive and engage with the outer portion of support arm end.
- a stem which is adapted to engage with the inner portion of each support arm end.
- a key is formed along and axially of the outer portion of the stem. The key is designed to mate with the slot in the support arm ends.
- the mirror support is assembled by coating at least one of the recess, the stem and the support arm ends.
- the support arm ends are then inserted into the recesses with the slots mating with keys providing for accurately locating the support arms with the complementary extension and the support arm holder.
- the key, slot arrangement also provides for increased securement of the support arm end against rotation.
- the invention provides a method for assembling a mirror mounting assembly.
- the method includes the steps of providing a locking device comprising an extension and a complementary extension which mate together, a key in which includes an insertion end which defines a mating shoulder, and a spring disposed about the key.
- the complementary extension receives a portion of a support arm to mount the support arm to a motor vehicle. Further steps include inserting the key through an aperture in the extension and a complementary aperture in the complementary extension; increasing an axial pressure on the inserted key to compress the spring about the key; rotating the inserted key; and releasing the inserted key such that the mating shoulder cooperates with the complementary extension to maintain compression on the spring to movably hold the extension and complementary extension together.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mirror mounting assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention, as used on a vehicle;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mirror mounting assembly as shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional side view of the mirror locking device
- FIG. 3 a is an exploded sectional cutaway view of the complementary extension showing the key structure
- FIG. 3 b is similar to FIG. 3 a showing the relationship of the recess, support arm end and the adhesive;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded cutaway view of the anchor.
- FIGS. 1-4 One exemplary embodiment of a locking key system for a mirror assembly according to the present invention is broadly embodied in FIGS. 1-4 .
- the locking key system generally designated by the numeral 10 , as shown in FIG. 1 with a locking device 12 and a brace 52 to which a mirror assembly support arm S is attached.
- a mirror assembly (not shown) is attachable to the support arm S, and the entire locking key system 10 with support arm S and mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle (not shown).
- support arm S may be any sort, size, or shape of mounting bar, tube, rod or the like.
- any type of mirror assembly may be utilized according to the present invention.
- the support arm S is attached by its respective end portions S 1 and S 2 to the locking device 12 and the brace 52 to mount the support arm S and its mirror assembly to the vehicle.
- the locking device 12 and the brace 52 and their related components are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2-4 .
- the locking device 12 and brace 52 have respectively a plurality of holes 15 , 53 for receiving respective screws 16 , 54 . (See FIG. 2 ).
- the screws 16 , 54 are inserted through their respective holes 15 , 53 to attach the locking key system 10 to the vehicle.
- these holes 15 , 53 and screws 16 , 54 are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the invention to this form of vehicle attachment.
- screws 16 , 54 can be pins, rivets, bolts and similar devices.
- suction devices or other non-penetrating forms of attachment in lieu of or in addition to the holes 15 , 53 and screws 16 , 54 are contemplated by the invention.
- the locking device 12 is shown with an attachment element 14 , an extension 18 , a complementary extension 26 , a locking key 36 , and a helical spring 50 .
- the attachment element 14 may be a separate component of the locking device 12 , but as shown in this example is unitarily formed with the extension 18 of a lightweight material.
- This material may be elastomeric material, a plastic, a high density polyethylene, a polymer, a polyoxymethylene (acetal plastic) material or similar moldable materials. If desired, wood or various metals can be used.
- structural or engineered plastics are utilized, which offer strength, durability and light weight.
- structural plastics include glass-filled plastics, such as glass-filled nylon, fiberglass, and KEVLAR® available from DuPontTM, Spruance, Va.
- the attachment element 14 including extension 18 can be unitarily constructed by blow-molding, injection molding, press-forming and similar processes. Accordingly, the components of the locking device 12 including the complementary extension 26 may be formed to any desired shape or size.
- the locking key 36 is a bayonet-type key in this example, which defines an insertion or engagement end 38 , a key body 42 , and a control end 48 .
- the locking key 36 is at least partially received within the spring 50 , which is sufficiently large to fit about the diameter of insertion end 38 of the locking key 36 but not so large as to slip past a mating surface 46 of the control end 48 .
- the locking key 36 and spring 50 are then inserted into an aperture or opening 24 of the extension 18 and into a complementary aperture or opening 32 of the complementary extension 26 to lock the locking device 12 together.
- the apertures or openings 24 , 32 define respective diameters which are sufficiently large to accept the diameter of the locking key 36 therethrough.
- FIG. 1 shows the completed operation of the locking key 36 carrying spring 50 in locking position in the locking device 12 , as will be described in greater detail below.
- the extension 18 and the complementary extension 26 are complementarily shaped to fit closely together.
- the extension 18 and the complementary extension 26 respectively define a first surface having a spherical surface 22 , and a first complementary surface with a first complementary spherical surface 30 , which are designed to movably mate together.
- the extension 18 , the complementary extension 26 , and their respective spherical surfaces 22 , 30 are not necessarily exact shape-fits. As will be explained in greater detail below, this arrangement permits some interplay between the extension 18 and the complementary extension 26 to allow a degree of three-dimensional adjustment to the support arm S.
- a second complementary extension with a second complementary spherical surface can be provided to movably mate with another spherical surface opposite the spherical surface 22 .
- the locking key 36 described below, would be designed to operatively penetrate this second complementary extension, or two such keys could be provided.
- FIGS. 2 and 4 further show brace 52 with a support arm holder 62 and a helical brace spring 66 .
- An optional detachable cover 70 is shown in this example for covering anchor piece 56 .
- the detachable cover 70 may be aesthetically desirable to cover the holes 53 and screws 54 described above if such an attachment is utilized, and/or to provide an outer surface of a selected color.
- the brace 52 , the support arm holder 62 , and/or the cover 70 may be formed of the lightweight materials introduced above with respect to the locking device 12 .
- the brace 52 further includes an anchor piece 56 having cavity 61 within generally centered anchor area 60 , conduits 72 , 72 ′ provide access into cavity 61 .
- the anchor piece 56 defines a surface or shelf 56 a and at least one stop 56 b within the cavity.
- a plurality of teeth 58 extend from the shelf 56 a .
- the plurality of teeth 58 are arranged on the upper surface of shelf 56 a .
- Aperture 72 ′ is aligned with aperture 72 and is arranged centrally of teeth 58 .
- the teeth together with the stop 56 b cooperate with teeth 64 and a compressed brace spring 66 of support arm holder 62 to fix the support arm holder within the cavity of brace 52 .
- complementary extension 26 includes a recess 80 at end 35 which is sized to receive and engage about the outer surface end S 1 of support arm S.
- the recess is sized to be slightly larger or so that its inner surface is slightly spaced from the outer surface of the support arm end and preferably of a size to easily receive the end in a slightly snug fit.
- a generally circular stem 82 which extends outwardly to a point slightly short of end 35 .
- Stem 82 is sized to be just slightly smaller than the inner diameter of end S 1 of support arm S or so that its outer surface is slightly spaced from the inner surface of the support arm so as to be received within end S 1 in a slightly snug fit.
- a shaped protrusion in the form of key 84 is Formed along opposed sides and parallel with the axis of stem 82 .
- a shaped protrusion in the form of key 84 is Formed along opposed sides and parallel with the axis of stem 82 .
- there are a pair of parallel keys formed on opposed sides of stem 82 there could be only one or there could be more than two preferably equally spaced about the stem.
- Each key 84 can merge and be integral with the inner surface of recess 80 or it can be formed with stem 82 to project outwardly to a point just short of the inner surface of the recess.
- Each key 84 is preferably stepped inwardly from the inner end of recess 80 toward end 35 as clearly shown in FIG. 3 a or it could be tapered or planar. Key 84 is therefore generally configured with a somewhat wide inner end which essentially tapers toward its forward end.
- End S 1 is inserted into recess 80 with, the slot or slots 86 aligned with the key or keys 84 . Continued insertion into recess 80 causes the keys to fully engage in the slots the locking support arm in axial position against rotation.
- an adhesive 86 is applied about the end S 1 of the support arm and/or within the recess 80 prior to insertion of end S 1 into the recess.
- end S 1 is positioned over stem 82 the adhesive securely bonds the support arm with complementary extension 26 as shown in FIG. 3 b.
- stem 82 may be formed integral with complementary extension 26 or may be formed separated and joined with the extension. Also, stem 82 may be solid member or it may be hollow as shown.
- the locking device 12 is easily assembled by simply mating the extension 18 with the complementary extension 26 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- the locking key 36 and spring 50 as briefly described above, are then inserted in a direction B into the aperture or opening 24 of the extension 18 and through the complementary aperture or opening 32 of the complementary extension 26 , substantially perpendicular to the extensions 18 , 26 in this example.
- the exemplary spring 50 defines a spring constant, which resists compression. However, continued insertion pressure in direction B on the locking key 36 compresses the spring 50 between a circumferential inner surface or shoulder 34 of the extension 18 and a mating surface or ledge 46 of the control end 48 of locking key 36 .
- the diameter of the insertion end permits the insertion end 38 to pass through the complementary aperture 32 under the continued insertion pressure.
- a momentary gap is eventually achieved as a ledge or shoulder 40 a of the locking key 36 is spaced apart from a circumferential shoulder 26 c of the complementary extension 26 (to the extent allowed by a spacing or gap between a second limiting shoulder 40 b and the inner surface or shoulder 34 and the physical presence of spring 50 .
- the locking key 36 can be rotated 90 degrees or one-half turn, for instance, and released.
- the spring constant of the spring 50 forces the shoulder 40 a of engagement end 38 and the shoulder 26 c adjacent opening 32 together to assume a locked position as shown in FIG. 1 .
- shoulder 40 a is recessed positioning the outer surface of key 36 substantially flush with the contoured surface.
- any spring constant mechanism may be used in place of or in addition to spring 50 in the foregoing example.
- a circumferentially shaped rubber gasket, o-ring or similar devices defining a similar spring constant as spring 50 can be suitably substituted.
- the specific shapes and elements of the locking key 36 are shown by way of example only and do not limit the invention to the particular exemplary locking key 36 .
- the locking key 36 could be two or more components which attach together proximate the gap G.
- the shapes of shoulders 26 c , insertion end 36 , and shoulder 40 a could be inclined or camming surfaces or a variety of other matable arrangements and remain within the invention's scope.
- the extension 18 and the complementary extension 26 respectively include spherical surface 22 and complementary spherical surface 30 .
- the spherical surfaces 22 , 30 are designed to movably mate together.
- a spherical-conical combination utilizing partial hemispheres and cones that slope from about 0 degrees to about 35 degrees leverage or multiple pressure to create higher friction.
- flat surfaces e.g. two horizontal planar surfaces mated together, require very high pressure to achieve the same locking result with a spring.
- the spherical surface 22 slopes approximately 10 degrees from vertical, designated generally by an axis A in FIG. 4 .
- the complementary spherical surface 30 slopes approximately 20 degrees from the axis A to permit some interplay between the spherical surfaces 22 , 30 .
- the extension 18 and the complementary extension 26 are spherically fitted to allow a degree of three-dimensional movement of the support arm S. Such adjustability is useful for example, to make tolerances less critical during manufacturing and to relive stresses on the device in use.
- a “locking taper” or total locking fit between the spherical surfaces 22 , 30 could occur.
- the brace 52 is structured to form cavity 61 between the lower surface of stop 56 b and teeth 58 formed on the upper surface of shelf 56 a .
- Brace 52 is assembled by placing spring 66 over body 68 and into engagement with shoulder 74 of support arm holder 62 , compressing spring 66 and inserting the spring and support arm holder into cavity 61 .
- Teeth 64 of the support arm holder are positioned to mate with teeth 58 carried by shelf 56 a to prevent rotation of the support arm holder.
- a conduit 72 ′ is located centrally of teeth 58 .
- Cavity 61 including teeth 58 and stop 56 b define an anchor for support arm holder 62 .
- Support arm holder 62 includes a recess 70 which extends from shoulder 74 to mating end 69 .
- the recess is aligned with conduits 72 , 72 ′.
- End S 2 of support arm S is inserted through conduits 72 , 72 ′ into recess 70 in support arm holder 62 and secured therein with an adhesive.
- teeth 58 of shelf 56 a and complementary teeth 64 of support arm holder 62 cooperate to prevent support arm S from rotational movement.
- Spring 66 is compressed between stop 56 a and shoulder 74 of support arm holder 62 urging teeth 58 and 64 in fixed relative positions.
- the stop 56 b is illustrated as a plurality of rectangular-shaped projections spaced apart from each other and depending into the cavity 61 . However, any form or arrangements of stops as known in the art may be suitably utilized for stop 56 b.
- Recess 70 to include stem 76 is structured in the manner of recess 80 as earlier described.
- Recess 70 is formed with a stem 76 extending from mating end 69 to a point just short or even with the lower end of support arm holder 62 .
- Stem 76 includes one or more keys 78 formed axially along its periphery. Keys 78 are preferably stepped but may be of any desired shape.
- Support arm end S 2 includes a slot or a plurality of slots formed about its periphery and aligned with the positions of the key or keys 78 formed about stem 76 .
- Slots 80 are designed to receive keys 78 when support shaft end S 2 is engaged in recess 70 of support arm holder 62 to form a locked securement against rotations of the support arm relative to the support arm holder.
- any or all of the brace 52 and the support arm holder 62 may be formed of various elastomeric materials, as previously described.
- the anchor piece 56 defines the cavity 61 , which is located near an anchor area 60 .
- the support arm holder 62 is larger than the cavity 61 as defined by the protruding stops 56 b .
- the anchor area 60 deformably yields to fix the support arm holder 62 in the cavity 61 .
- a deforming action of the deformable material of at least the anchor area 60 substitutes for the spring 66 and/or the teeth 58 of the brace 52 and the complementary teeth 64 of the support arm holder 62 .
- the brace 52 could alternatively be formed of a harder material and the support arm holder 62 be formed of the more deformable material to reach the same result as above.
- any adhesive substance such as glue, a heat-activated glue substance, a paste, an adhesive, an epoxy, or an epoxy resin may be utilized.
- the end portions S 1 , S 2 may be secured with mechanical devices such as cotter keys, pins, rivets, screws or bolts. It is to be understood that end portions S 1 , S 2 and their respective mating recesses need not be circular shaped as illustrated. For instance, these elements may be square, rectangular, oval, star-shaped, or various other shapes and may exhibit other geometries and orientations and be within the scope of the invention.
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- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/857,203,filed May 28, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/227,628, filed Aug. 23, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,336 B2, issued Nov. 9, 2004, having the same title.
- The present invention relates to a rearview mirror assembly, particularly a locking device for mounting mirrors on commercial vehicles such as trucks.
- Rearview mirror assemblies for vehicles, particularly for commercial trucks, are well known in the art. These well known mirror assemblies include many different arrangements for mounting mirror assemblies on the vehicles. On large, commercial vehicles, such as trucks and busses, mirrors are often secured within mirror housings mounted so as to extend the mirror out from the vehicle thereby providing a clear view of different areas around the vehicle. Depending on the size and design of the mirror, as well as the area around the vehicle to be observed, different mounting arrangements have been used. A typical mounting arrangement includes a bar extending outwardly from the vehicle, often in substantially a U-shape, in which the ends of the U-bar are attached to the side of the vehicle. Alternately, a bar may be attached to the vehicle at only one end, with a mirror housing being disposed at a distal end or central portion, or both, of such bar. In either of such applications, mounting bars are typically attached to each side of the driver's cab of a truck, and the mirror housing is attached to the central portions of the bars in various ways.
- Some conventionally mounting arrangements suffer from complicated constructions requiring, for instance, adapters, multiple piece connectors, and a variety of screws, bolts and the like to attach the bar to the mounts and to the vehicle. Such complicated mounting arrangements are more cumbersome, costly and labor intensive than may be desired.
- In general, the present invention provides a locking key system for a motor vehicle for adjustably mounting a mirror attached to a support arm. The component parts of the locking key system are simple, reliable, and economical to manufacture and use. For instance, the locking key system has relatively few parts and quickly locks and unlocks from the support arm. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the attached drawings, or can be learned through practice of the invention.
- In one aspect of the invention, the key system includes a locking device configured to receive a portion of the support arm to mount the support arm to the motor vehicle. The locking device includes an extension, a complementary extension, and a key. Further, a spring or similar device is included to urge the extension and the complementary extension together. The extension and complementary extension respectively define a spherical surface and a complementary spherical surface. The spherical surface and complementary spherical surface are matingly arranged to provide a finite range of movement to the support arm and to reduce manufacturing tolerances and costs. The system also includes a brace which cooperates with the locking device to receive another portion of the support arm to mount the support arm to the motor vehicle. The brace includes an anchor and a support arm holder to fix the support arm relative to the brace.
- In another aspect, the invention provides an assembly arrangement in which opposed ends of the support arm are provided with at lest one shaped slot. The complementary extension and the support arm holder are each provided with a recess adapted to receive and engage with the outer portion of support arm end. Within each recess extending along its axis is provided a stem which is adapted to engage with the inner portion of each support arm end. A key is formed along and axially of the outer portion of the stem. The key is designed to mate with the slot in the support arm ends.
- The mirror support is assembled by coating at least one of the recess, the stem and the support arm ends. The support arm ends are then inserted into the recesses with the slots mating with keys providing for accurately locating the support arms with the complementary extension and the support arm holder. The key, slot arrangement also provides for increased securement of the support arm end against rotation.
- In another aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling a mirror mounting assembly. The method includes the steps of providing a locking device comprising an extension and a complementary extension which mate together, a key in which includes an insertion end which defines a mating shoulder, and a spring disposed about the key. The complementary extension receives a portion of a support arm to mount the support arm to a motor vehicle. Further steps include inserting the key through an aperture in the extension and a complementary aperture in the complementary extension; increasing an axial pressure on the inserted key to compress the spring about the key; rotating the inserted key; and releasing the inserted key such that the mating shoulder cooperates with the complementary extension to maintain compression on the spring to movably hold the extension and complementary extension together.
- Further details of the invention may be found in the following detailed description of the invention with the aid of the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mirror mounting assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention, as used on a vehicle; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mirror mounting assembly as shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded sectional side view of the mirror locking device; -
FIG. 3 a is an exploded sectional cutaway view of the complementary extension showing the key structure; -
FIG. 3 b is similar toFIG. 3 a showing the relationship of the recess, support arm end and the adhesive; and, -
FIG. 4 is an exploded cutaway view of the anchor. - Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present invention are shown. The drawings and the detailed description provide a full and detailed written description of the invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, as well as the best mode of carrying out the invention. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed description are provided by way of explanation of the invention and are not meant as limitations of the invention. The present invention thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
- The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the invention.
- One exemplary embodiment of a locking key system for a mirror assembly according to the present invention is broadly embodied in
FIGS. 1-4 . The locking key system, generally designated by thenumeral 10, as shown inFIG. 1 with alocking device 12 and abrace 52 to which a mirror assembly support arm S is attached. A mirror assembly (not shown) is attachable to the support arm S, and the entirelocking key system 10 with support arm S and mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle (not shown). It is to be understood that support arm S may be any sort, size, or shape of mounting bar, tube, rod or the like. Likewise, any type of mirror assembly may be utilized according to the present invention. As will be described in more detail below, the support arm S is attached by its respective end portions S1 and S2 to thelocking device 12 and thebrace 52 to mount the support arm S and its mirror assembly to the vehicle. - The
locking device 12 and thebrace 52 and their related components are shown in greater detail inFIGS. 2-4 . As shown therein, thelocking device 12 andbrace 52 have respectively a plurality ofholes respective screws FIG. 2 ). Thescrews respective holes key system 10 to the vehicle. It is to be understood that theseholes holes - With particular reference to
FIGS. 2, 3 , 3 a, 3 b thelocking device 12 is shown with anattachment element 14, anextension 18, acomplementary extension 26, a lockingkey 36, and ahelical spring 50. Theattachment element 14 may be a separate component of thelocking device 12, but as shown in this example is unitarily formed with theextension 18 of a lightweight material. This material may be elastomeric material, a plastic, a high density polyethylene, a polymer, a polyoxymethylene (acetal plastic) material or similar moldable materials. If desired, wood or various metals can be used. - In one aspect of the invention, structural or engineered plastics are utilized, which offer strength, durability and light weight. Such structural plastics include glass-filled plastics, such as glass-filled nylon, fiberglass, and KEVLAR® available from DuPont™, Spruance, Va.
- If moldable lightweight materials are used, the
attachment element 14 includingextension 18 can be unitarily constructed by blow-molding, injection molding, press-forming and similar processes. Accordingly, the components of thelocking device 12 including thecomplementary extension 26 may be formed to any desired shape or size. - The locking
key 36, seen most clearly inFIGS. 2 and 3 , is a bayonet-type key in this example, which defines an insertion orengagement end 38, akey body 42, and acontrol end 48. The lockingkey 36 is at least partially received within thespring 50, which is sufficiently large to fit about the diameter ofinsertion end 38 of the lockingkey 36 but not so large as to slip past amating surface 46 of thecontrol end 48. The lockingkey 36 andspring 50 are then inserted into an aperture or opening 24 of theextension 18 and into a complementary aperture or opening 32 of thecomplementary extension 26 to lock thelocking device 12 together. The apertures oropenings key 36 therethrough.FIG. 1 shows the completed operation of the lockingkey 36 carryingspring 50 in locking position in thelocking device 12, as will be described in greater detail below. - Seen most clearly in
FIGS. 1-3 , theextension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 are complementarily shaped to fit closely together. Theextension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 respectively define a first surface having aspherical surface 22, and a first complementary surface with a first complementaryspherical surface 30, which are designed to movably mate together. However, theextension 18, thecomplementary extension 26, and their respectivespherical surfaces extension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 to allow a degree of three-dimensional adjustment to the support arm S. It should also be understood that a plurality of different designs of extensions and spherical surfaces are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a second complementary extension with a second complementary spherical surface can be provided to movably mate with another spherical surface opposite thespherical surface 22. The lockingkey 36, described below, would be designed to operatively penetrate this second complementary extension, or two such keys could be provided. -
FIGS. 2 and 4 further show brace 52 with asupport arm holder 62 and ahelical brace spring 66. An optionaldetachable cover 70 is shown in this example for coveringanchor piece 56. Thedetachable cover 70 may be aesthetically desirable to cover theholes 53 and screws 54 described above if such an attachment is utilized, and/or to provide an outer surface of a selected color. Thebrace 52, thesupport arm holder 62, and/or thecover 70 may be formed of the lightweight materials introduced above with respect to thelocking device 12. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 4 , thebrace 52 further includes ananchor piece 56 havingcavity 61 within generally centeredanchor area 60, conduits 72, 72′ provide access intocavity 61. Theanchor piece 56 defines a surface orshelf 56 a and at least onestop 56 b within the cavity. A plurality ofteeth 58 extend from theshelf 56 a. The plurality ofteeth 58 are arranged on the upper surface ofshelf 56 a. Aperture 72′ is aligned with aperture 72 and is arranged centrally ofteeth 58. The teeth together with thestop 56 b cooperate withteeth 64 and acompressed brace spring 66 ofsupport arm holder 62 to fix the support arm holder within the cavity ofbrace 52. - Turning now to
FIGS. 3, 3 a and 3 b,complementary extension 26 includes arecess 80 atend 35 which is sized to receive and engage about the outer surface end S1 of support arm S. The recess is sized to be slightly larger or so that its inner surface is slightly spaced from the outer surface of the support arm end and preferably of a size to easily receive the end in a slightly snug fit. At the inner end and along the axis ofrecess 80 is provided a generallycircular stem 82 which extends outwardly to a point slightly short ofend 35.Stem 82 is sized to be just slightly smaller than the inner diameter of end S1 of support arm S or so that its outer surface is slightly spaced from the inner surface of the support arm so as to be received within end S1 in a slightly snug fit. - Formed along opposed sides and parallel with the axis of
stem 82 is a shaped protrusion in the form ofkey 84, best seen inFIG. 3 a. Preferably there are a pair of parallel keys formed on opposed sides ofstem 82, however, there could be only one or there could be more than two preferably equally spaced about the stem. - Each key 84 can merge and be integral with the inner surface of
recess 80 or it can be formed withstem 82 to project outwardly to a point just short of the inner surface of the recess. Each key 84 is preferably stepped inwardly from the inner end ofrecess 80 towardend 35 as clearly shown inFIG. 3 a or it could be tapered or planar.Key 84 is therefore generally configured with a somewhat wide inner end which essentially tapers toward its forward end. - End S1 is inserted into
recess 80 with, the slot orslots 86 aligned with the key orkeys 84. Continued insertion intorecess 80 causes the keys to fully engage in the slots the locking support arm in axial position against rotation. - In the preferred arrangement an adhesive 86 is applied about the end S1 of the support arm and/or within the
recess 80 prior to insertion of end S1 into the recess. When end S1 is positioned overstem 82 the adhesive securely bonds the support arm withcomplementary extension 26 as shown inFIG. 3 b. - It is noted that
stem 82 may be formed integral withcomplementary extension 26 or may be formed separated and joined with the extension. Also, stem 82 may be solid member or it may be hollow as shown. - The locking
device 12 is easily assembled by simply mating theextension 18 with thecomplementary extension 26 as shown inFIGS. 1-3 . The lockingkey 36 andspring 50, as briefly described above, are then inserted in a direction B into the aperture or opening 24 of theextension 18 and through the complementary aperture or opening 32 of thecomplementary extension 26, substantially perpendicular to theextensions exemplary spring 50 defines a spring constant, which resists compression. However, continued insertion pressure in direction B on the lockingkey 36 compresses thespring 50 between a circumferential inner surface orshoulder 34 of theextension 18 and a mating surface orledge 46 of the control end 48 of lockingkey 36. In this example, the diameter of the insertion end permits theinsertion end 38 to pass through thecomplementary aperture 32 under the continued insertion pressure. Although not shown, a momentary gap is eventually achieved as a ledge orshoulder 40 a of the lockingkey 36 is spaced apart from acircumferential shoulder 26 c of the complementary extension 26 (to the extent allowed by a spacing or gap between a second limitingshoulder 40 b and the inner surface orshoulder 34 and the physical presence ofspring 50. During this momentary gap between theshoulder 26 c and theshoulder 40 a, the lockingkey 36 can be rotated 90 degrees or one-half turn, for instance, and released. The spring constant of thespring 50 forces theshoulder 40 a ofengagement end 38 and theshoulder 26 cadjacent opening 32 together to assume a locked position as shown inFIG. 1 . As clearly shown inFIG. 4 ,shoulder 40 a is recessed positioning the outer surface of key 36 substantially flush with the contoured surface. - It is to be understood that any spring constant mechanism may be used in place of or in addition to
spring 50 in the foregoing example. For instance, a circumferentially shaped rubber gasket, o-ring or similar devices defining a similar spring constant asspring 50 can be suitably substituted. It is to be further understood that the specific shapes and elements of the lockingkey 36 are shown by way of example only and do not limit the invention to the particular exemplary lockingkey 36. For instance, the lockingkey 36 could be two or more components which attach together proximate the gap G. Likewise, the shapes ofshoulders 26 c,insertion end 36, andshoulder 40 a could be inclined or camming surfaces or a variety of other matable arrangements and remain within the invention's scope. - As briefly introduced, the
extension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 respectively includespherical surface 22 and complementaryspherical surface 30. The spherical surfaces 22, 30 are designed to movably mate together. According to this aspect of the invention, a spherical-conical combination utilizing partial hemispheres and cones that slope from about 0 degrees to about 35 degrees leverage or multiple pressure to create higher friction. In contrast, flat surfaces, e.g. two horizontal planar surfaces mated together, require very high pressure to achieve the same locking result with a spring. - In this example, the
spherical surface 22 slopes approximately 10 degrees from vertical, designated generally by an axis A inFIG. 4 . By comparison, the complementaryspherical surface 30 slopes approximately 20 degrees from the axis A to permit some interplay between thespherical surfaces extension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 are spherically fitted to allow a degree of three-dimensional movement of the support arm S. Such adjustability is useful for example, to make tolerances less critical during manufacturing and to relive stresses on the device in use. In contrast, if thespherical surfaces spherical surfaces extension 18 and thecomplementary extension 26 to adjust the support arm S. It is to be further noted that it is within the scope of the invention to substitute or modifyspherical surfaces spherical surfaces extensions - As seen in
FIGS. 2 and 4 , thebrace 52 is structured to formcavity 61 between the lower surface ofstop 56 b andteeth 58 formed on the upper surface ofshelf 56 a.Brace 52 is assembled by placingspring 66 overbody 68 and into engagement withshoulder 74 ofsupport arm holder 62, compressingspring 66 and inserting the spring and support arm holder intocavity 61.Teeth 64 of the support arm holder are positioned to mate withteeth 58 carried byshelf 56 a to prevent rotation of the support arm holder. A conduit 72′ is located centrally ofteeth 58.Cavity 61 includingteeth 58 and stop 56 b define an anchor forsupport arm holder 62. -
Support arm holder 62 includes arecess 70 which extends fromshoulder 74 tomating end 69. When the support arm holder is positioned incavity 61 as described, the recess is aligned with conduits 72, 72′. End S2 of support arm S is inserted through conduits 72, 72′ intorecess 70 insupport arm holder 62 and secured therein with an adhesive. In this condition,teeth 58 ofshelf 56 a andcomplementary teeth 64 ofsupport arm holder 62 cooperate to prevent support arm S from rotational movement.Spring 66 is compressed betweenstop 56 a andshoulder 74 ofsupport arm holder 62 urgingteeth stop 56 b is illustrated as a plurality of rectangular-shaped projections spaced apart from each other and depending into thecavity 61. However, any form or arrangements of stops as known in the art may be suitably utilized forstop 56 b. -
Recess 70 to includestem 76 is structured in the manner ofrecess 80 as earlier described.Recess 70 is formed with astem 76 extending frommating end 69 to a point just short or even with the lower end ofsupport arm holder 62.Stem 76 includes one ormore keys 78 formed axially along its periphery.Keys 78 are preferably stepped but may be of any desired shape. Support arm end S2 includes a slot or a plurality of slots formed about its periphery and aligned with the positions of the key orkeys 78 formed aboutstem 76.Slots 80 are designed to receivekeys 78 when support shaft end S2 is engaged inrecess 70 ofsupport arm holder 62 to form a locked securement against rotations of the support arm relative to the support arm holder. - It is preferred that an adhesive be applied prior to inserting end S1 into
recess 70 as previously described. - Also, as with
spring 50, various other devices may be substituted for thespring 66 in thebrace 52, such as o-rings, rubber gaskets and similar mechanisms. In one aspect of the present invention, in lieu of or in addition to thespring 66, any or all of thebrace 52 and thesupport arm holder 62 may be formed of various elastomeric materials, as previously described. In this aspect, theanchor piece 56 defines thecavity 61, which is located near ananchor area 60. Thesupport arm holder 62 is larger than thecavity 61 as defined by the protruding stops 56 b. As such, when thesupport arm holder 62 is press-fit into thecavity 61, amating end 69 of thesupport arm holder 62 is pressed against thestops 56 b and in turn, theanchor area 60 deformably yields to fix thesupport arm holder 62 in thecavity 61. Stated another way, a deforming action of the deformable material of at least theanchor area 60 substitutes for thespring 66 and/or theteeth 58 of thebrace 52 and thecomplementary teeth 64 of thesupport arm holder 62. It is to be understood that thebrace 52 could alternatively be formed of a harder material and thesupport arm holder 62 be formed of the more deformable material to reach the same result as above. - Any adhesive substance such as glue, a heat-activated glue substance, a paste, an adhesive, an epoxy, or an epoxy resin may be utilized. Alternatively, the end portions S1, S2 may be secured with mechanical devices such as cotter keys, pins, rivets, screws or bolts. It is to be understood that end portions S1, S2 and their respective mating recesses need not be circular shaped as illustrated. For instance, these elements may be square, rectangular, oval, star-shaped, or various other shapes and may exhibit other geometries and orientations and be within the scope of the invention.
- In light of this description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, specific shapes of various elements of the illustrated embodiments may be altered to suit particular applications. In particular, the orientation of
extensions surfaces
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/796,108 US7445191B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2007-04-26 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/227,628 US6814336B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2002-08-23 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US10/857,203 US7240888B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2004-05-28 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US11/796,108 US7445191B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2007-04-26 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/857,203 Continuation US7240888B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2004-05-28 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070194203A1 true US20070194203A1 (en) | 2007-08-23 |
US7445191B2 US7445191B2 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
Family
ID=31887503
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/227,628 Expired - Lifetime US6814336B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2002-08-23 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US10/857,203 Expired - Fee Related US7240888B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2004-05-28 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US11/796,108 Expired - Fee Related US7445191B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2007-04-26 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
Family Applications Before (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/227,628 Expired - Lifetime US6814336B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2002-08-23 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US10/857,203 Expired - Fee Related US7240888B2 (en) | 2002-08-23 | 2004-05-28 | Key system for a mirror assembly |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (3) | US6814336B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR0302389A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE102008046980B3 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-06-02 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Mirror mount for attaching a mirror to a vehicle and mirror with such a mirror mount |
EP2436560A1 (en) * | 2010-10-01 | 2012-04-04 | MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG | System for fixing a component to a support structure |
CN111376835A (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2020-07-07 | 桂林电子科技大学 | Be applied to rear-view mirror mount of truck |
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US7455413B2 (en) * | 2002-02-25 | 2008-11-25 | Rosco, Inc. | Retractable rearview mirror including a rebounding mechanism |
US6814336B2 (en) * | 2002-08-23 | 2004-11-09 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Key system for a mirror assembly |
US7318650B2 (en) * | 2005-06-01 | 2008-01-15 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Tapered tube lock connector for a vehicle mirror mounting assembly |
US8152124B2 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2012-04-10 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Adjustable support arm for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror assembly |
US7878477B2 (en) * | 2008-01-02 | 2011-02-01 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Multi-axis pivoting detent joint assembly for an exterior vehicle mirror |
US8276771B2 (en) * | 2008-09-17 | 2012-10-02 | Rj Schuetz Associates, Lp | Float rack |
US8657249B2 (en) | 2011-08-16 | 2014-02-25 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Low profile pivoting detent joint for a vehicle mirror assembly |
US8720845B2 (en) | 2011-10-18 | 2014-05-13 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint |
US8544151B2 (en) | 2011-11-22 | 2013-10-01 | Lang-Mekra North America, Llc | Engaging surfaces arrangement for a pivoting detent joint |
CN104249339A (en) * | 2013-06-25 | 2014-12-31 | 苏州宝时得电动工具有限公司 | Swinging power tool |
USD740334S1 (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2015-10-06 | Alan Michael Moseley | Mountable magnifier |
WO2016054685A1 (en) * | 2014-10-10 | 2016-04-14 | Michael Ferman | Quick release mechanism for pole mounted mirror |
CN105691306B (en) * | 2016-04-08 | 2018-01-19 | 徐工集团工程机械股份有限公司科技分公司 | A kind of driving mirror bracket of prefastening step-less adjustment |
US10745147B2 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2020-08-18 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. | Detachable cargo mirror |
DE102018213818B4 (en) * | 2018-08-16 | 2020-03-19 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Holding device for an external attachment part of a motor vehicle |
CN111267735B (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2021-04-06 | 桂林电子科技大学 | Truck rearview mirror |
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DE102008046980B3 (en) * | 2008-09-11 | 2010-06-02 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Mirror mount for attaching a mirror to a vehicle and mirror with such a mirror mount |
EP2436560A1 (en) * | 2010-10-01 | 2012-04-04 | MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG | System for fixing a component to a support structure |
JP2012077909A (en) * | 2010-10-01 | 2012-04-19 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co Kg | Fixing mechanism and mirror assembly for vehicle |
CN111376835A (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2020-07-07 | 桂林电子科技大学 | Be applied to rear-view mirror mount of truck |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR0302389A (en) | 2004-09-08 |
US7445191B2 (en) | 2008-11-04 |
US7240888B2 (en) | 2007-07-10 |
US6814336B2 (en) | 2004-11-09 |
US20040036000A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
US20050012018A1 (en) | 2005-01-20 |
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